Twenty ``lost'' Spitfires that were buried in Burma during the Second World War could return to the skies, it has been revealed.
David Cameron and Burmese president Thein Sein have agreed to work together to find and restore the historic aircraft as part of a thaw in relations.
Amateur aviation enthusiasts uncovered evidence of the Spitfires' existence years ago, but have been unable to gain access to their potential locations.
British statesman Earl Mountbatten ordered the RAF to bury them in the summer of 1945 amid fears that they could be either used or destroyed by Japanese forces.
Within weeks, the atom bomb was dropped to end the conflict, and the brand new planes - which were in crates and yet to be assembled - were seemingly forgotten.
Experts from Leeds University have linked up with an academic based in Rangoon and believe they have identified the sites where the craft are concealed using sophisticated radar techniques.
Although around 21,000 Spitfires were built during the war effort, only 35 are believed to be in flying condition today.
Mr Cameron raised the fascinating find when he met Mr Sein for talks yesterday. Officials said the president was ``very enthusiatic'', and if the planes can be salvaged, some could potentially go on display in Burma.
A Downing Street source said: ``The Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history of aviation, playing a crucial role in the Second World War.
``It is hoped this will be an opportunity to work with the reforming Burmese government, uncover, restore and display these fighter planes and get them gracing the skies of Britain once again.''
Shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander said: ``All of us will feel pride and excitement that progress towards more democracy in Burma is now being made, given that so many people within and beyond the country have worked so long and so hard for change.
``The sequenced lifting of sanctions along with careful monitoring of developments in Burma is a sensible way forward to help strengthen the hand of reformers.''
Democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi said: ``We still have a long way to go but we believe we can get there.
``I believe President Thien Sein is genuine about democratic reforms and I am very happy that Prime Minister Cameron thinks that the suspension of sanctions is the right way to respond to this.
``I support the lifting, rather than the suspension, of sanctions because this would be an acknowledgement of the role of the president and other reformers.
``This suspension will have taken place because of the steps taken by the president and other reformers.
``It would also make it quite clear to those who are against reform that should they try to obstruct the way of the reformers, then sanctions could come back.''
Ms Suu Kyi paid tribute to the ``help friends have given us over these last decades, especially Britain and other very close friends''.
She added: ``They have always understood our need for democracy, our desire to take our place in the world and the aspirations of our people.
``We have always shared the belief that what is necessary for Burma is an end to all ethnic conflict, respect for human rights - which would include the release of political prisoners - and the kind of development aid which would help empower our people and take our country further towards the road to genuine democracy.''
Mr Cameron said he had invited Miss Suu Kyi to visit Britain in June.
Had she attempted to leave Burma in previous years, she knew she would have been prevented from returning.
Answering press questions today, she said: ``Two years ago, I would have said thank you for the invitation but sorry.
``Now I am able to say perhaps. That is great progress.''
Mr Cameron said it was right that the world responded to the reform process initiated by Mr Thien.
``Clearly we have to be cautious, we have to be careful, we have to be questioning. We want to know the reform process is irreversible,'' he said.
``All courses of action are full of risk, but I think this is the right step.
``We are not starry-eyed or credulous about this. We know what a long, hard road needs to be travelled between now and 2015.''
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